Land of the Long White Cloud

Saturday, July 24, 2004

Skydiving

Yeap, I've finally jumped from a plane. There was only me in on my flight which took us on an amazing ascent to 12,000 feet over the mountains and fox glacier. I could see out over the ocean and for miles around in every direction. The weather could not have been more perfect. A near cloudless day. I had my thermals on so I felt just right ;) I could see Lake Matheson below:



We were at the same altitude of the peak of Mount Cook and head out over the plains to the south.



Surprisingly I wasn't shitting myself about jumping. We got to our jump height and to the right spot and the door to my immediate right was opened. The instructor put his leg out first, I was attached to his front. I dangled from him outta the plane, smiled at the camera on the wing tip and then crossed my arms over my chest and put my head back. We fell and rolled twice before levelling out and free falling for what seemed like only 10 seconds but was actually 45 seconds. Most people have sensory overload where the brain can't cope with all this new stuff happening, wind flying in your face, spinning around, adjusting your breathing, total new perspective of the world and the adrenalin pumping! Before I knew it the parachute was released, a sharp jerk and we were floating down to earth. It was quiet enough to be able to speak. I took my camera out and took a photo of my feet:



And my face flapping in the wind with the parachute above:



Here is the booking office from the ground just 'cos: it looks pretty.



If I had the chance and the money, I would definitely jump again. I don't think I could have jumped in a more beautiful part of the country. Definitely spoilt. I wanted to get right back up there!

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